Just Ask Terry

I tore a muscle in my hip area over a year ago, and it still has not healed.

Q. Dear Terry, “I tore a muscle in my hip area over a year ago, and it still has not healed. I have had extensive physical therapy . . . no luck there. Surgery is not an option. Do you have any suggestions? “— Janis L., Rio Rancho, NM

A. Dear Janis, While I do have some recommendations, keep in mind that torn muscles (and the tendons and ligaments associated with them) respond slowly so give it a minimum of three months before you assess the benefits.

When it comes to supplementation, I would first recommend adding a strong, absorbable curcumin to your daily regimen. Curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, is a potent antioxidant and powerful anti-inflammatory that works via multiple pathways. I recommend taking 1 softgel (750 mg) of high absorption curcumin twice daily. Keep in mind that standard curcumin is very poorly absorbed, so make sure the product you choose features a curcumin with excellent absorption that has been proven in published human studies. The best form I have ever found uses micronized curcumin blended with turmeric essential oils in a patented process. This curcumin has been shown in published studies to be up to 10 times better absorbed than standard curcumin.

To help heal and improve the elasticity of the ligaments and tendons associated with the torn muscle, I recommend a multi-ingredient formula specific to these tissues. It should include the active forms of vitamins B6 and B12, along with magnesium, manganese, bromelain, zinc, vitamin C, niacinamide, and boswellia. One of the most crucial ingredients is manganese. You need at least 36 mg of manganese to have an impact, so make sure the dosing of this critical mineral is adequate. I recommend taking 1 capsule of this blend three times daily.

For overall support of your hip joint, you may also want to consider taking a horsetail extract standardized to provide 20 mg of organic silica daily. Many people never think about silica, but it is one of the most important minerals we need. Silica is necessary for collagen formation. Collagen – the main protein in the body – helps to strengthen bones and joints. Because silica is poorly absorbed, you want to look for a product that contains organic silica and bioflavonoids, blended with marine lipids. This greatly increases absorption and will help you achieve the best benefits. I recommend taking 20 mg three times daily for several weeks. You can decrease to 20 mg twice daily, thereafter.